In an unexpected twist that has shaken up the transfer market, Real Madrid has decided to withdraw from the race to secure the services of young Dutch defender Dean Huijsen. The main reason behind this decision is the high cost of his release clause, which amounts to an exorbitant €58 million, a figure that the club considers disproportionate for a 19-year-old player, no matter how promising he is. This news has generated a whirlwind of reactions among Real Madrid fans, who see Huijsen as a potential long-term solution for the team’s defense, but also understand the financial limitations in an inflated market.

Dean Huijsen, currently on loan at Roma from Juventus, has captured the attention of major European clubs thanks to his impressive combination of youth, talent, and versatility. Standing at 1.95 meters tall, the Dutch center-back stands out for his ability to read the game, his clean ball release, and his strength in aerial duels, qualities that make him an ideal fit for modern football. During his time in Serie A, Huijsen has demonstrated maturity and poise, earning praise from coaches and analysts. It’s no surprise that Real Madrid, always on the lookout for young talent to strengthen its squad, had the player on its radar.
However, the €58 million release clause imposed by Juventus has been an insurmountable obstacle for the Whites. Although Real Madrid is no stranger to making large investments—as evidenced by the signings of Vinícius Jr., Rodrygo, and the recent signing of Kylian Mbappé—the club has adopted a more cautious stance in recent years, especially following the pandemic. The board, led by Florentino Pérez, appears to prioritize financial sustainability and prudent resource management, avoiding excessive outlays on players who have yet to achieve established star status.
Sources close to the club have revealed that, although Carlo Ancelotti and his coaching staff were in favor of signing Huijsen, they felt the price was unjustified for a player with less than a full season as a starter in a top-flight league. Furthermore, Real Madrid boasts a solid defense led by players like David Alaba, Antonio Rüdiger, and the young Éder Militão, which reduces the urgency of investing such a large sum in a center-back. The strategy seems clear: wait for the market to stabilize or look for cheaper alternatives that offer a similar profile.
Real Madrid’s decision also reflects a shift in the dynamics of the transfer market. Italian clubs, like Juventus, have learned to protect their young talents with high buyout clauses, making negotiations difficult for European giants. This move could benefit other clubs interested in Huijsen, such as Tottenham, Borussia Dortmund, or even Paris Saint-Germain, who might be willing to pay the asking price or negotiate a transfer with variables.
For Real Madrid fans, the news is bittersweet. On the one hand, the withdrawal of the bid for Huijsen can be interpreted as a sign of financial prudence, a positive development in an uncertain economic climate. On the other hand, they can’t help but wonder if the club has let a future star slip away. On social media, debates are raging: some support the decision, arguing that the club should focus on strengthening other positions, such as right back or midfield, while others lament that Madrid didn’t invest in a talent who could have been key in the coming years.
The truth is that the transfer market is unpredictable, and Real Madrid has proven in the past that it knows how to move with cunning. Perhaps this withdrawal is just a strategic pause, and the club will return to the fight for Huijsen in the future, when conditions are more favorable. For now, fans’ eyes are focused on the team’s next moves, hoping the board finds the perfect balance between youth, talent, and financial sustainability. The market isn’t over, and Real Madrid always has an ace up its sleeve!